Overview
- Investigators said extreme Santa Ana winds dislodged hot rubber from a tractor burned in the Oct. 30 Balcom Fire, igniting vegetation beyond the containment line.
- District Attorney Erik Nasarenko reported no evidence supports criminal charges against the tractor operator or anyone else.
- The Mountain Fire burned nearly 20,000 acres, destroyed about 243 structures, and concentrated losses in Camarillo Hills where 182 homes were lost.
- Wind gusts of 70 to 80 mph with single‑digit humidity halted aerial firefighting during the fire’s explosive early spread.
- Ventura County Fire Department will seek an independent review of the Balcom Fire, expand post‑incident drone heat reconnaissance, and refine mop‑up procedures; rebuilding continues with 24 home permits issued so far.